Post-planting activities; irrigation, mulching, thinning, supplying, application of manure/fertilizer and weeding Agricultural Science Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Post-planting activities;
irrigation, mulching,
thinning, supplying,
application of
manure/fertilizer and
weeding.

Subject: Agricultural Science

Class: Primary 5

Term: First Term

Week: 5

Topic: Post-Planting Activities

Duration: 45 minutes

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the importance of post-planting activities in agriculture.
2. Learn the key post-planting activities such as irrigation, mulching, thinning, supplying, application of manure/fertilizer, and weeding.
3. Recognize the role of each activity in promoting plant growth and crop yield.

Previous Lesson: Seed Planting and Germination

Embedded Core Skills:

• Observation
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking

Learning Materials:

• Pictures and diagrams of post-planting activities
• Samples of mulch, manure, and fertilizer
• Gardening tools (spades, watering cans, etc.)

Content:

After planting, there are important things we must do to make sure plants grow strong and we get a lot of crops. These activities are like taking care of the plants. When we do them, we help the plants stay healthy, and they give us more fruits or vegetables. So, post-planting activities are like taking care of a garden to get the best results.

Post Planting Operations 

1. Irrigation: This is like giving plants a drink when there’s not enough rain. We add water to the soil to keep the plants happy.
2. Mulching: It’s like putting a cozy blanket around plants. We cover the soil with materials like straw or leaves to keep it moist, control weeds, and protect the plants.
3. Thinning: Imagine if you and your friends were too close together; it would be hard to grow. Thinning is like giving plants space. We remove extra seedlings so that the remaining ones can grow better.
4. Supplying: This means giving plants what they need, like support to stand tall and strong. We use sticks or trellises for support and sometimes give them special food (nutrients) called fertilizers.
5. Application of Manure/Fertilizer: It’s like giving plants vitamins. Manure is natural food for plants, and fertilizer is like giving them a boost. We add these to the soil so plants have enough nutrients to grow.
6. Weeding: Think of weeds as plant bullies; they take space and food from our crops. We remove these unwanted plants to make sure our crops get all they need to grow healthy.

These activities are like taking care of our plants to help them grow well and give us a good harvest.

Key Post-Planting Activities:

1. ________ helps plants by giving them a drink when it doesn’t rain enough. a) Thinning b) Mulching c) Irrigation d) Weeding
2. When we put a cozy blanket around plants, it’s called ________. a) Thinning b) Mulching c) Supplying d) Fertilizing
3. ________ means giving plants enough space to grow by removing extra seedlings. a) Thinning b) Supplying c) Weeding d) Irrigation
4. ________ involves providing support to plants using sticks or trellises. a) Thinning b) Mulching c) Supplying d) Weeding
5. What do we call the process of adding vitamins to the soil for plants? a) Irrigation b) Thinning c) Application of Manure d) Weeding
6. ________ is like giving plants special food to help them grow. a) Weeding b) Mulching c) Application of Manure d) Supplying
7. Which activity helps plants get rid of plant bullies that take their space and food? a) Mulching b) Thinning c) Weeding d) Irrigation
8. When we give plants enough room to grow, it’s called ________. a) Mulching b) Thinning c) Fertilizing d) Supplying
9. Adding natural food to the soil is known as ________. a) Mulching b) Thinning c) Application of Manure d) Supplying
10. What’s the purpose of mulching in gardening? a) To remove weeds b) To keep the soil moist and control weeds c) To thin seedlings d) To supply water to plants
11. ________ involves taking care of plants by adding support and nutrients. a) Thinning b) Supplying c) Weeding d) Irrigation
12. How do we help plants grow by giving them a drink when there’s not enough rain? a) By mulching b) By thinning c) By supplying d) By irrigating
13. Why do we remove extra seedlings in gardening? a) To make plants stronger b) To give them more water c) To grow more weeds d) To make the garden look nice
14. ________ is like adding vitamins to the soil to help plants grow better. a) Weeding b) Mulching c) Application of Manure d) Fertilizing
15. What do we call the process of removing unwanted plants that take space and food from our crops? a) Supplying b) Thinning c) Weeding d) Mulching

Presentation:

Step 1: Recap the previous lesson on seed planting and germination. Discuss the importance of successful germination.

Step 2: Introduce the topic of “Post-Planting Activities.”

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain that post-planting activities are essential to ensure healthy plant growth and maximize crop yield.
• List and briefly explain the key post-planting activities: irrigation, mulching, thinning, supplying, application of manure/fertilizer, and weeding.

Learners’ Activities:

• Pay attention to the explanation of post-planting activities.
• Show interest in learning about the role of each activity.

Content:

Post-Planting Activities:

1. Irrigation:
   • Explain that irrigation involves supplying water to plants when rainfall is insufficient.
   • Emphasize the importance of providing plants with the right amount of water.
2. Mulching:
   • Describe mulching as covering the soil around plants with materials like straw or leaves.
   • Explain that mulch helps retain moisture, control weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
3. Thinning:
   • Define thinning as removing excess seedlings or plants to allow proper spacing.
   • Discuss how thinning promotes healthier growth by reducing competition among plants.
4. Supplying:
   • Explain that supplying includes providing plants with necessary nutrients and support.
   • Mention the use of stakes or trellises for support and supplying nutrients through fertilizers.
5. Application of Manure/Fertilizer:
   • Discuss the importance of adding nutrients to the soil through manure or fertilizer.
   • Explain the difference between organic (manure) and inorganic (fertilizer) options.
6. Weeding:
   • Define weeding as the removal of unwanted plants (weeds) from the crop area.
   • Emphasize the need to eliminate weeds that compete with crops for nutrients.

Practical Activity:

• Demonstrate how to perform each post-planting activity with the help of gardening tools and materials.

Assessment:

• Evaluate students’ participation and understanding during the practical activity.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is the purpose of irrigation in post-planting activities? a) To remove weeds b) To supply nutrients c) To provide water to plants d) To thin seedlings
2. How does mulching benefit plants in agriculture? a) It prevents thinning b) It retains moisture and controls weeds c) It supplies fertilizer d) It prunes plants
3. What does “thinning” mean in post-planting activities? a) Removing excess seedlings to allow proper spacing b) Adding more seedlings to the crop area c) Watering plants excessively d) Trimming plant leaves

Conclusion:

• Summarize the importance of post-planting activities in agriculture and encourage students to apply these techniques when gardening or farming.